Wanda Lou (Gatzke) Schmidt, 85, died peacefully October 31, 2021, in Fort Collins, Colo.
Wanda was born July 5, 1936, near Preston, Minn., the sixth child of John and Winnie (Bigalk) Gatzke. She attended school in Preston, was very social, playing trombone in band, singing in the choir, and participating in many extracurricular activities. She graduated Preston High School in 1954, attended and graduated from Minneapolis Business College in 1955.
On May 2, 1959, life in the city ended when she married Richard Joseph Schmidt. The early years blessed them with a daughter and a son; 2021 found them celebrating their 62nd anniversary!
Wanda’s friendly people skills and business acumen led to a long and successful career, beginning in the Fillmore County Clerk’s office. Following a move to Colorado, she took positions in Breckenridge and later in Eagle, Colo., as clerk of the county court, and eventually clerk of the district court, retiring in 1999 after 25 years of service.
She was an active and faithful member of the Lutheran Church, Eastern Star and American Cancer Society. Wanda was a two-time cancer survivor who provided inspiration and encouragement to others; she loved her family and friends and is sadly and lovingly missed by all who have known her.
Wanda was survived by her husband Richard, who recently passed away; her daughter Shelly (Wayne) Cash, a son, Karl (Lori) Schmidt of Fort Collins, Colo.; five grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, a brother and sister-in-law, Christopher (Marlene) Schmidt; and sisters-in-law Mary Gatzke and Jeanette Schmidt.
She was preceded in death by brothers Lester (Opal) Gatzke, Vernon (Doris) Gatzke, Milo Gatzke, and Dale Gatzke; a sister, Norma Lyngen; and brother-in-law David Schmidt.
Family and friends of Wanda and Richard are invited to a reception in Preston, Minn., on June 11, 2022, from 2-3 p.m. at the Lutheran Church. Joint graveside memorial services and burial will follow at the Carimona Cemetery.